That was on the agenda for Arne Slot ahead of the 2024/25 campaign as Liverpool targetted Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi but the Spanish star opted to remain in La Liga for another season.

That turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Slot has improved Ryan Gravenberch to the point where the Dutch star is undroppable in the number six role at Anfield.

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That may have been decided within the last 24 hours, as two of the Reds’ targets have had big updates on their contract situations at their current clubs.

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Frenkie de Jong is a player Liverpool have admired for some time and with his contract at Barcelona expiring in 2026, many of Europe’s big clubs will have an eye in his situation.

The Dutch star has once again become a key player for the Spanish giants and it was recently reported that Barca head coach Hansi Flick has been pushing for the renewal of De Jong as the German coach sees the value in the midfielder.

Flick has seemingly got his wish as SPORT reports that have begun talks with the De Jong’s agents over a new deal, with the latest meeting occurring on February 19.

This is not the only blow Liverpool have received as another potential target needs to be crossed off of their summer shopping list.

Liverpool have been heavily linked to Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich in recent weeks with the Reds even holding talks with the midfielder’s representatives as uncertainty over his future grew.

Both these updates will likely influence what Liverpool will do with their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 campaign with a younger star the more likely route the Reds go down.